15TL Crossover Rebuild/Upgrade Contacts

bcwsrt
bcwsrt Posts: 1,879
in Vintage Speakers
New to the forum here. I have a set of RTA 15TLs I bought new. Long story, but I had not used them for some time just not having any spare time to listen with a crazy work schedule and came close to selling them recently. Then, I listened to them again and ... now I am keeping them.

There was another recent thread on here that mentioned DHS Speaker Service for doing a crossover rebuild and upgrade and I have reached out to Dave on FB and here, but as yet, haven't gotten a response. I hope all is well with Dave and I'm honestly not sure at this point that I'm in any giant hurry at all anyway, but I just wondered if there were any other forum members who offered this same service? Also, iIdeally, is there anyone that would have cores they could start with? I'm not crazy about a ton of downtime now that prime listening season is setting in here in central Illinois. So, I would probably be more anxious to get the process started sooner if I didn't have to leave my speakers torn apart to do it.
Brian

One-owner Polk Audio RTA 15TL speakers refreshed w/ Sonicap, Vishay/Mills and Cardas components by "pitdogg2," "xschop" billet tweeter plates and BH5 | Stereo REL Acoustics T/5x subwoofers w/ Bassline Blue cables | Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum III integrated tube amp | Technics SL-1210G turntable w/ Ortofon 2M Black LVB 250 MM cart | Sony CDP-508ESD CD player (as a transport) | LampizatOr Baltic 4 tube DAC | Nordost & DH Labs cables/interconnects | APC H15 Power Conditioner | GIK Acoustics room treatments | Degritter RCM
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Comments

  • pitdogg2
    pitdogg2 Posts: 25,436
    He's usually pretty responsive. Never know he may have taken a vacation. Give it a week or so.
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  • xschop
    xschop Posts: 5,000
    Find a used set to rebuild and go from there.
    Don't take experimental gene therapies from known eugenicists.
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  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 17,230
    xschop wrote: »
    Find a used set to rebuild and go from there.

    Great idea since 15TL’s are always for sale when one is looking for a set, let alone in their own backyard.. :smiley: only one of the harder set of vintage Polks to find especially in great shape.

    I would rather build the set he purchased new anyway.





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  • audioluvr
    audioluvr Posts: 5,582
    Dave's probably sitting on a warm ocean beach right now. The RTA's are actually a fairly simple crossover to work on if you know how to solder. Order up the correct components from Sonicraft and get er done!
    Gustard X26 Pro DAC
    Belles 21A Pre modded with Mundorf Supreme caps
    B&K M200 Sonata monoblocks refreshed and upgraded
    Polk SDA 1C's modded / 1000Va Dreadnaught
    Wireworld Silver Eclipse IC's and speaker cables
    Harman Kardon T65C w/Grado Gold. (Don't laugh. It sounds great!)

    There is about a 5% genetic difference between apes and men …but that difference is the difference between throwing your own poo when you are annoyed …and Einstein, Shakespeare and Miss January. by Dr. Sardonicus
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  • bcwsrt
    bcwsrt Posts: 1,879
    audioluvr wrote: »
    Dave's probably sitting on a warm ocean beach right now. The RTA's are actually a fairly simple crossover to work on if you know how to solder. Order up the correct components from Sonicraft and get er done!

    Used to do a fair amount when I was a kid, but it’s been awhile. I kinda know what my limitations are nowadays and don’t want to be second-guessing myself with it. I suppose it’s a Plan C, D or E, though.
    Brian

    One-owner Polk Audio RTA 15TL speakers refreshed w/ Sonicap, Vishay/Mills and Cardas components by "pitdogg2," "xschop" billet tweeter plates and BH5 | Stereo REL Acoustics T/5x subwoofers w/ Bassline Blue cables | Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum III integrated tube amp | Technics SL-1210G turntable w/ Ortofon 2M Black LVB 250 MM cart | Sony CDP-508ESD CD player (as a transport) | LampizatOr Baltic 4 tube DAC | Nordost & DH Labs cables/interconnects | APC H15 Power Conditioner | GIK Acoustics room treatments | Degritter RCM
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  • Gardenstater
    Gardenstater Posts: 4,459
    Good things come to those who wait. Make a saved search on eBay for Polk 15tl crossover and pounce when it comes up. Then you can do the work stress free while still being able to listen. That's the way I did my 7Bs but I did the work on my original crossovers (sentimental reasons?) while listening to the Bay ones, which I still have.
    George / NJ

    Polk 7B main speakers, std. mods+ (1979, orig owner)
    Martin Logan Dynamo sub w/6ft 14awg Power Cord
    Onkyo A-8017 integrated
    Logitech Squeezebox Touch Streamer w/EDO applet
    iFi nano iDSD DAC
    iPurifier3
    iDefender w/ iPower PS
    Custom Steve Wilson 1m UPOCC Interconnect
    iFi Mercury 0.5m OFHC continuous cast copper USB cable
    Custom Ribbon Speaker Cables, 5ft long, 4N Copper, 14awg, ultra low inductance
    Custom Vibration Isolation Speaker Stands and Sub Platform
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  • xschop
    xschop Posts: 5,000
    Downtime vs Soundtime... hardest part of the audio hobby. :)
    Don't take experimental gene therapies from known eugenicists.
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  • bcwsrt
    bcwsrt Posts: 1,879
    Gardenstater wrote: »
    Good things come to those who wait. Make a saved search on eBay for Polk 15tl crossover and pounce when it comes up. Then you can do the work stress free while still being able to listen. That's the way I did my 7Bs but I did the work on my original crossovers (sentimental reasons?) while listening to the Bay ones, which I still have.

    I will do that! I didn’t realize they came up at all. Buying the just the crossovers is one thing, but not gonna mess with buying a whole other set of speakers to have sitting around. It wasn’t that long ago that I didn’t even want the ones I have.

    Brian

    One-owner Polk Audio RTA 15TL speakers refreshed w/ Sonicap, Vishay/Mills and Cardas components by "pitdogg2," "xschop" billet tweeter plates and BH5 | Stereo REL Acoustics T/5x subwoofers w/ Bassline Blue cables | Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum III integrated tube amp | Technics SL-1210G turntable w/ Ortofon 2M Black LVB 250 MM cart | Sony CDP-508ESD CD player (as a transport) | LampizatOr Baltic 4 tube DAC | Nordost & DH Labs cables/interconnects | APC H15 Power Conditioner | GIK Acoustics room treatments | Degritter RCM
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  • xschop
    xschop Posts: 5,000
    Toolfan66 wrote: »
    xschop wrote: »
    Find a used set to rebuild and go from there.

    Great idea since 15TL’s are always for sale when one is looking for a set, let alone in their own backyard.. :smiley: only one of the harder set of vintage Polks to find especially in great shape.

    I would rather build the set he purchased new anyway.





    I meant a used set of X-overs.
    Don't take experimental gene therapies from known eugenicists.
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  • Gardenstater
    Gardenstater Posts: 4,459
    bcwsrt wrote: »
    Gardenstater wrote: »
    Good things come to those who wait. Make a saved search on eBay for Polk 15tl crossover and pounce when it comes up. Then you can do the work stress free while still being able to listen. That's the way I did my 7Bs but I did the work on my original crossovers (sentimental reasons?) while listening to the Bay ones, which I still have.

    I will do that! I didn’t realize they came up at all. Buying the just the crossovers is one thing, but not gonna mess with buying a whole other set of speakers to have sitting around. It wasn’t that long ago that I didn’t even want the ones I have.

    I don't know *how often* they come up for the 15tl but there are people who choose to make more $ by parting out their speakers. I see crossovers for the 11t right now and passive radiators for the 15tl (somebody prob parted out). Couldn't hurt to try for a month or two if you are patient.
    George / NJ

    Polk 7B main speakers, std. mods+ (1979, orig owner)
    Martin Logan Dynamo sub w/6ft 14awg Power Cord
    Onkyo A-8017 integrated
    Logitech Squeezebox Touch Streamer w/EDO applet
    iFi nano iDSD DAC
    iPurifier3
    iDefender w/ iPower PS
    Custom Steve Wilson 1m UPOCC Interconnect
    iFi Mercury 0.5m OFHC continuous cast copper USB cable
    Custom Ribbon Speaker Cables, 5ft long, 4N Copper, 14awg, ultra low inductance
    Custom Vibration Isolation Speaker Stands and Sub Platform
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  • xschop
    xschop Posts: 5,000
    Or order some better inductors and make a point-to-point. Waiting on a set of Jantzen inductors so I can mock-up another set...

    nq7zbwnbuuw5.jpg
    Don't take experimental gene therapies from known eugenicists.
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  • bcwsrt
    bcwsrt Posts: 1,879
    Gardenstater wrote: »

    I don't know *how often* they come up for the 15tl but there are people who choose to make more $ by parting out their speakers. I see crossovers for the 11t right now and passive radiators for the 15tl (somebody prob parted out). Couldn't hurt to try for a month or two if you are patient.

    Totally agree. Hadn’t thought of this angle, so thanks. 👍

    Brian

    One-owner Polk Audio RTA 15TL speakers refreshed w/ Sonicap, Vishay/Mills and Cardas components by "pitdogg2," "xschop" billet tweeter plates and BH5 | Stereo REL Acoustics T/5x subwoofers w/ Bassline Blue cables | Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum III integrated tube amp | Technics SL-1210G turntable w/ Ortofon 2M Black LVB 250 MM cart | Sony CDP-508ESD CD player (as a transport) | LampizatOr Baltic 4 tube DAC | Nordost & DH Labs cables/interconnects | APC H15 Power Conditioner | GIK Acoustics room treatments | Degritter RCM
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  • bcwsrt
    bcwsrt Posts: 1,879
    xschop wrote: »
    Or order some better inductors and make a point-to-point. Waiting on a set of Jantzen inductors so I can mock-up another set...

    nq7zbwnbuuw5.jpg

    This demonstrates my earlier comment. You guys are waaaay more knowledgeable and experienced with this than I am. I need to find an expert and leave it to them.

    Brian

    One-owner Polk Audio RTA 15TL speakers refreshed w/ Sonicap, Vishay/Mills and Cardas components by "pitdogg2," "xschop" billet tweeter plates and BH5 | Stereo REL Acoustics T/5x subwoofers w/ Bassline Blue cables | Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum III integrated tube amp | Technics SL-1210G turntable w/ Ortofon 2M Black LVB 250 MM cart | Sony CDP-508ESD CD player (as a transport) | LampizatOr Baltic 4 tube DAC | Nordost & DH Labs cables/interconnects | APC H15 Power Conditioner | GIK Acoustics room treatments | Degritter RCM
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  • txcoastal1
    txcoastal1 Posts: 13,281
    @westmassguy DHS Dave
    He will respond
    2-channel: Modwright KWI-200 Integrated, Dynaudio C1-II Signatures
    Desktop rig: LSi7, Polk 110sub, Dayens Ampino amp, W4S DAC/pre, Sonos, JRiver
    Gear on standby: Melody 101 tube pre, Unison Research Simply Italy Integrated
    Gone to new homes: (Matt Polk's)Threshold Stasis SA12e monoblocks, Pass XA30.5 amp, Usher MD2 speakers, Dynaudio C4 platinum speakers, Modwright LS100 (voltz), Simaudio 780D DAC

    erat interfectorem cesar et **** dictatorem dicere a
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  • boston1450
    boston1450 Posts: 7,636
    I had WMG do my rta15tl speaker crossovers. He did a spectacular job. While they were down I installed rings & sealed inside of cabinets & glued all woofer magnets & I installed spikes F1 recommended. It was a fun process.... Don't hesitate to ask questions, as I did & members here walked me right thru it
    ..
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  • boston1450
    boston1450 Posts: 7,636
    Also I upgraded the tweeters to Polk rd0198 drop in replacements which are worth ever penny
    ..
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  • bcwsrt
    bcwsrt Posts: 1,879
    edited November 2022
    Appreciate everyone's feedback! I have the 198s already installed on the advice of my friend "charley96" on here who helped convince me to keep these speakers, had already PM'd WMG/DHS Dave on here and FB a couple different days last week and now have a new saved search on eBay for the crossovers. I do have patience to wait for him as I want the best possible, no excuses result. It clearly sounds like he is THE MAN, just wondered if others did the same, but I'll take a knee and hold on. I hope the sun is shining bright and warm on Dave wherever he is!
    Brian

    One-owner Polk Audio RTA 15TL speakers refreshed w/ Sonicap, Vishay/Mills and Cardas components by "pitdogg2," "xschop" billet tweeter plates and BH5 | Stereo REL Acoustics T/5x subwoofers w/ Bassline Blue cables | Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum III integrated tube amp | Technics SL-1210G turntable w/ Ortofon 2M Black LVB 250 MM cart | Sony CDP-508ESD CD player (as a transport) | LampizatOr Baltic 4 tube DAC | Nordost & DH Labs cables/interconnects | APC H15 Power Conditioner | GIK Acoustics room treatments | Degritter RCM
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  • txcoastal1
    txcoastal1 Posts: 13,281
    Send Dave a PM from here to
    Use the westmass user I posted above
    2-channel: Modwright KWI-200 Integrated, Dynaudio C1-II Signatures
    Desktop rig: LSi7, Polk 110sub, Dayens Ampino amp, W4S DAC/pre, Sonos, JRiver
    Gear on standby: Melody 101 tube pre, Unison Research Simply Italy Integrated
    Gone to new homes: (Matt Polk's)Threshold Stasis SA12e monoblocks, Pass XA30.5 amp, Usher MD2 speakers, Dynaudio C4 platinum speakers, Modwright LS100 (voltz), Simaudio 780D DAC

    erat interfectorem cesar et **** dictatorem dicere a
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  • bcwsrt
    bcwsrt Posts: 1,879
    txcoastal1 wrote: »
    Send Dave a PM from here to
    Use the westmass user I posted above

    Yessir, that's the one I used last week one day. Thanks, though!
    Brian

    One-owner Polk Audio RTA 15TL speakers refreshed w/ Sonicap, Vishay/Mills and Cardas components by "pitdogg2," "xschop" billet tweeter plates and BH5 | Stereo REL Acoustics T/5x subwoofers w/ Bassline Blue cables | Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum III integrated tube amp | Technics SL-1210G turntable w/ Ortofon 2M Black LVB 250 MM cart | Sony CDP-508ESD CD player (as a transport) | LampizatOr Baltic 4 tube DAC | Nordost & DH Labs cables/interconnects | APC H15 Power Conditioner | GIK Acoustics room treatments | Degritter RCM
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  • txcoastal1
    txcoastal1 Posts: 13,281
    bcwsrt wrote: »
    txcoastal1 wrote: »
    Send Dave a PM from here to
    Use the westmass user I posted above

    Yessir, that's the one I used last week one day. Thanks, though!

    10-4...I mis-read, and only saw FB
    2-channel: Modwright KWI-200 Integrated, Dynaudio C1-II Signatures
    Desktop rig: LSi7, Polk 110sub, Dayens Ampino amp, W4S DAC/pre, Sonos, JRiver
    Gear on standby: Melody 101 tube pre, Unison Research Simply Italy Integrated
    Gone to new homes: (Matt Polk's)Threshold Stasis SA12e monoblocks, Pass XA30.5 amp, Usher MD2 speakers, Dynaudio C4 platinum speakers, Modwright LS100 (voltz), Simaudio 780D DAC

    erat interfectorem cesar et **** dictatorem dicere a
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  • pitdogg2
    pitdogg2 Posts: 25,436
    edited November 2022
    @charley95 is a hack and you can tell him @pitdogg2 from central Illinois said so lol

    😁😁😁

    If you need help I'm close and can help. I figured your close to both of us as well
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  • charley96
    charley96 Posts: 321
    pitdogg2 wrote: »
    @charley95 is a hack and you can tell him @pitdogg2 from central Illinois said so lol

    😁😁😁

    If you need help I'm close and can help. I figured your close to both of us as well

    Come on Pitt, I transitioned from charley95 along time ago to charley96, since then it's been a whole new experience! In the future, I prefer to be called by my appropriate pronouns! :D
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  • bcwsrt
    bcwsrt Posts: 1,879
    edited November 2022
    pitdogg2 wrote: »
    @charley95 is a hack and you can tell him @pitdogg2 from central Illinois said so lol

    😁😁😁

    If you need help I'm close and can help. I figured your close to both of us as well

    Awesome. I appreciate that. Yes, right in between ya's in Morton.

    Looks like he saw what you think of him without my help! 😳😂
    Brian

    One-owner Polk Audio RTA 15TL speakers refreshed w/ Sonicap, Vishay/Mills and Cardas components by "pitdogg2," "xschop" billet tweeter plates and BH5 | Stereo REL Acoustics T/5x subwoofers w/ Bassline Blue cables | Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum III integrated tube amp | Technics SL-1210G turntable w/ Ortofon 2M Black LVB 250 MM cart | Sony CDP-508ESD CD player (as a transport) | LampizatOr Baltic 4 tube DAC | Nordost & DH Labs cables/interconnects | APC H15 Power Conditioner | GIK Acoustics room treatments | Degritter RCM
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  • charley96
    charley96 Posts: 321
    I must not be too much of a hack, because bcwsrt has possession of my Cronus Magnum and I don't! :Dphxlnulcrcuk.jpeg
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  • bcwsrt
    bcwsrt Posts: 1,879
    To be fair, that could be anyone’s house, BUT …. it does look pretty damn cool at night. 👍

    66svqn5921ht.jpeg
    Brian

    One-owner Polk Audio RTA 15TL speakers refreshed w/ Sonicap, Vishay/Mills and Cardas components by "pitdogg2," "xschop" billet tweeter plates and BH5 | Stereo REL Acoustics T/5x subwoofers w/ Bassline Blue cables | Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum III integrated tube amp | Technics SL-1210G turntable w/ Ortofon 2M Black LVB 250 MM cart | Sony CDP-508ESD CD player (as a transport) | LampizatOr Baltic 4 tube DAC | Nordost & DH Labs cables/interconnects | APC H15 Power Conditioner | GIK Acoustics room treatments | Degritter RCM
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  • txcoastal1
    txcoastal1 Posts: 13,281
    But Ivan is an unoffended airhole
    2-channel: Modwright KWI-200 Integrated, Dynaudio C1-II Signatures
    Desktop rig: LSi7, Polk 110sub, Dayens Ampino amp, W4S DAC/pre, Sonos, JRiver
    Gear on standby: Melody 101 tube pre, Unison Research Simply Italy Integrated
    Gone to new homes: (Matt Polk's)Threshold Stasis SA12e monoblocks, Pass XA30.5 amp, Usher MD2 speakers, Dynaudio C4 platinum speakers, Modwright LS100 (voltz), Simaudio 780D DAC

    erat interfectorem cesar et **** dictatorem dicere a
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  • pitdogg2
    pitdogg2 Posts: 25,436
    charley96 wrote: »
    pitdogg2 wrote: »
    @charley95 is a hack and you can tell him @pitdogg2 from central Illinois said so lol

    😁😁😁

    If you need help I'm close and can help. I figured your close to both of us as well

    Come on Pitt, I transitioned from charley95 along time ago to charley96, since then it's been a whole new experience! In the future, I prefer to be called by my appropriate pronouns! :D

    My bad, I'm so sorry, please accept my sincerest apologies

    😁😁

    What was I thinking 🤔

    Yes I'm an airhole so I'll shut it now.

    Ron mines bigger 🤏 mister short throw gear shifter.

    🤣🤣🤣
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  • pitdogg2
    pitdogg2 Posts: 25,436
    bcwsrt wrote: »
    To be fair, that could be anyone’s house, BUT …. it does look pretty damn cool at night. 👍

    66svqn5921ht.jpeg

    Fire in a bottle so yummy on the ear bones!
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  • bcwsrt
    bcwsrt Posts: 1,879
    pitdogg2 wrote: »

    Fire in a bottle so yummy on the ear bones!

    We will meet sometime soon, I think. 😂👍
    Brian

    One-owner Polk Audio RTA 15TL speakers refreshed w/ Sonicap, Vishay/Mills and Cardas components by "pitdogg2," "xschop" billet tweeter plates and BH5 | Stereo REL Acoustics T/5x subwoofers w/ Bassline Blue cables | Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum III integrated tube amp | Technics SL-1210G turntable w/ Ortofon 2M Black LVB 250 MM cart | Sony CDP-508ESD CD player (as a transport) | LampizatOr Baltic 4 tube DAC | Nordost & DH Labs cables/interconnects | APC H15 Power Conditioner | GIK Acoustics room treatments | Degritter RCM
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  • pitdogg2
    pitdogg2 Posts: 25,436
    Hey now!
    I'm offended.
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